Liverpool v Blackburn Rovers - Peter White on the Anfield threat to Rovers' league revival

IT'S almost three months since the name of Steve McManaman figured on a Premiership scoresheet for Liverpool.

And, even then, it was a fluke - beating Tottenham's Ian Walker with the significant aid of a devious divot at White Hart Lane.

McManaman is among the first to hold up his hand about a poor scoring ratio, compared to the number of times he opens up defences.

But, having said that, there is no doubt that he will be one of the greatest individual threats to Blackburn Rovers' hopes of surprising title challengers Liverpool in their own Anfield fortress tomorrow afternoon.

Some would say THE greatest.

For, while Robbie Fowler and Stan Collymore tend to grab the headlines by doing naturally what McManaman finds so hard to master - putting the ball in the net - the Merseyside magician is the man who really holds the key to unlocking opposing defences. He has been in stunning form at times this season, so much so that he has often been paid the ultimate compliment.

Visiting teams have chosen to man-mark him, occasionally with some success.

Rovers are unlikely to reveal any plans they might have to cope with his menace but, with Billy McKinlay "sitting" in front of the back four, that tactic might be enough in itself to help prevent the England star ripping them apart.

McManaman is seen more as a creator for team-mates than a goal poacher himself.

But Rovers should be warned. He is not happy with several aspects of his game and he is working hard to improve them - including his shooting.

For he is also well aware that, in 17 appearances for his country, he has yet to score his first international goal.

"As long as I keep getting shooting opportunities, hopefully it will come," he said.

"Sometimes I'm a bit unselfish and pass, but people tell me to be more greedy, shoot more often.

"Maybe that lack of ruthlessness is what sets me apart as a midfielder from strikers. "It's a fine line. When you see a centre forward his first option is to receive the ball and look for goal.

"With me, a lot of times I receive it and I'm looking to make the intricate pass to put Robbie (Fowler) through.

"Goalscorers have definitely got that instinct and it's something I'm trying to learn all the time.

"I go for extra work with Robbie and I'm probably more accurate more often than him on the training pitch.

"But in a game the situation is reversed because maybe he has that bit more of a killer instinct.

"I work hard on many faults in my game and that is just one.

"I'm not the best defender in the world or the best header.

"It's certainly a major point but I would love to improve numerous things, even things I already do well but know I could do better."

With the likes of Fowler and Collymore around tomorrow, Rovers will be hoping McManaman hasn't done too much shooting practice on the training ground this week!

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